More Market: This Saturday

Portlanders have another reason to celebrate the coming of the new year: The opening of Portland Farmers Market’s first Winter Market on Saturday, January 7, 2012. The new Winter Market will operate eight consecutive Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm, January 7 to February 25, a time when Portland Farmers Market in the past has hibernated with its other six weekly markets closed.

Located downtown at Shemanski Park in the South Park Blocks between SW Salmon and SW Main Streets, more than 35 market vendors will offer shoppers meats, fish, eggs, artisan breads, cheeses, wine, hot foods, sweets, and winter produce including leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beets, radishes and leeks, along with storage crops such as apples, pears, potatoes and onions.

More Than Kale - Photo by Allison Jones

“We are so excited to welcome in the new year with our new Winter Market,” said Trudy Toliver, executive director of Portland Farmers Market. “Grab your umbrella and come out to support our local farmers, food producers and artisans who are braving the winter elements to bring us delicious wintry comfort food and artisan foods, as well as plenty of greens and produce.”

As the demand for locally-grown produce continues to rise, the region’s innovative farmers are meeting that need with a variety of season-extending techniques such as planting winter-hardy varietals and using row covers, cold frames, hoop houses and greenhouses to protect crops from the elements. With the addition of Portland Farmers Market’s new Winter Market, Portlanders now have access to locally grown farm-fresh food all year long.

Portland Farmers Market staff will provide a few large tents to protect shoppers from inclement weather. There will also be a covered seating area and pellet stoves to keep shoppers warm, provided by Wood Pellet Products in Mt. Angel, OR. During market hours, SW Main Street will be closed between SW Broadway Avenue and SW Park Avenue providing easy access to the market and the restrooms at the Performing Arts Center, which will be open for shoppers.

Portland Farmers Market is offering incentives to loyal shoppers who frequent the market three or more times. These shoppers will be entered to win a prize at the end of each month. Customers are encouraged to stop by the information booth for additional details.